Mission statement

To protect, maintain, enhance, and restore native nongame wildlife resourcesfor their intrinsic values, ecosystem functions, and long term benefits.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

These organizational management principles help define how the Nongame Wildlife Program fulfills its mission and provide guidance for shaping management strategies.

1. Integrated systems. Nongame wildlife resources are best managed within the context of ecological functions and the integrity of natural systems. Ecosystem concepts (such as natural connectivity, the natural range of variability, dynamic ecosystems, and disturbance regimes) help guide nongame resource decisions.

2. Human resources. Achieving the mission of the Nongame Wildlife Program requires an effective and sustained work force. The Nongame Wildlife Program will emphasize retaining and supporting a skilled work force and meeting staffing needs.

3. Program Emphasis. The emphasis for species that may be declining or are at risk of declining will be on communities, suites, and guilds, although specific projects may sometimes focus on a single species.

4. Working with others. Partnering with citizens, stakeholder groups, local governments, and other agencies is the most effective approach to managing resources and achieving program outcomes and objectives.